Ashley Young of Welcome Homes offers advice on how to re-let property when tenants move on

In last months column we covered the choice students have towards their future accommodation. With most students now retreating back home or venturing to a foreign land for the summer, I thought it maybe an idea to offer some help to landlords and move on with a natural flow towards the cleaning of these properties ready for the new tenants arriving in September.

Obviously, the owner managed properties will have a clean-up between tenancies carried out by the owner or their nominated person. However, at Welcome Homes managed properties we carry out an extensive deep clean of homes which ensures all are re-let in pristine condition.

To help landlords and possibly private home owners I have described below which areas should be cleaned and ready for occupancy, as we have found that a home which is rented out in an immaculate condition tends to be looked after much better than a home which has only received a quick dusting.

These same homes also get rented out much quicker as tenants realise that they are in a property where the owner cares and is wanting to look after their new home.

All areas, furniture and fittings should obviously be cleaned, dusted and vacuumed, the underside of cushions on sofas should be cleaned as well as the surfaces, windows should be cleaned inside and out and furniture should be polished.

In the kitchen and bathroom areas, all surfaces should be cleaned with disinfectant, appliances should be thoroughly cleaned inside and out, cupboards should be emptied and cleaned and cleaning equipment should be replenished and left for the new occupants.

On a slightly more sober note, I wrote a column a few months ago indicating my belief that the North East of England would be at the back end and suffer the slowest growth of any other area in the country with regards to increases in property values. The property website Zoopla recently published interesting research which showed that four out of five homes purchased in Britain since 2006 have a property market value today below their purchase price.

I must warn you this next bit does hurt somewhat as on a regional level the North East is the worst affected area with 93% of properties purchased since 2006 yet to climb back to the values paid for them by their owners. This is compared to the more resilient London market, which has been unique and bounced back very strongly with only 43% of homes now valued below their purchase price.

Obviously, while this report is not great for the region, property will sell providing it is offered at a realistic price.

Newcastle estate agency, Welcome Homes are experts in property lettings. Impartial advice is offered to both landlords and tenants when either renting out or moving into your new home. Our powerful marketing techniques and recent exposure with media and the BBC offers huge exposure to our clients which includes TV and media, large corporate, professionals and students. Call.0191 281 9692. Welcome Homes, 3a Clayton Road, Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne.www.welcomehomesnortheast.co.uk. info@welcomehomesnortheast.co.uk